Watch: These Are the Loneliest Elephants on Earth

Aug. 11, 2017 - At least 14 zoo elephants in Japan have been kept alone in confined spaces for long periods--in some cases even spending decades in isolation. A new study analyzes the conditions of these lonely elephants in Japan, although the problem exists in other countries as well. Elephants in the wild are highly social, with females in tight-knit communities, and males sometimes forming smaller groups. Extended periods of social deprivation can cause elephants great distress. Activists hope to improve the conditions of life for the elephants in the study. READ: These Are the Loneliest Elephants on Earth

Watch: These Are the Loneliest Elephants on Earth

Aug. 11, 2017 - At least 14 zoo elephants in Japan have been kept alone in confined spaces for long periods--in some cases even spending decades in isolation. A new study analyzes the conditions of these lonely elephants in Japan, although the problem exists in other countries as well. Elephants in the wild are highly social, with females in tight-knit communities, and males sometimes forming smaller groups. Extended periods of social deprivation can cause elephants great distress. Activists hope to improve the conditions of life for the elephants in the study. READ: These Are the Loneliest Elephants on Earth